Reclosable fastener

0001This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/263,607 filed Oct. 31, 2005 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/424,016 filed Jun. 14, 2006.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0002A reclosable bag having first and second walls is disclosed with an open top defined by first and second elongate flexible fastener strips attached to the first and second walls, respectively, adjacent the top of the walls. One of the fastener strips has a profile portion forming a groove, and the other fastener strip has a profile portion forming a rib, with a portion of the rib received and retained in the groove when the bag top is closed. Each of the fastener strips has a base connected to the respective wall and each of the strips has an upper edge adjacent the upper edge adjacent the upper edge of the other strip. The bag has a slider mounted on the fastener strips which is moveable in one direction longitudinally of the fastener strips to progressively separate the rib from the groove to open the bag and the slider is moveable in the opposite direction to progressively return the rib portion to a retained condition in the groove to close the bag. The improvement over the prior art is a cradle provided near one end of the fastener strip sized, constructed and arranged to receive and retain the base of the slider therein, while the fastener strip is engaged with the corresponding sealing portion of the complementary sealing member. As a result, the sealing members remain interlocked and closed to provide a leak-tight seal. In one embodiment, the cradle has a tab extending therefrom at an angle of approximately 45° for abutment against and retention of the slider in the cradle. In a preferred embodiment, the cradle is of a length greater than the length of the slider so as to allow variations in the size of the slider during manufacture while still retaining the slider within the cradle and, thus, sealing the fastener strip. The cradle preferably has a tab extending therefrom at an angle of approximately 45° for abutment against and retention of the slider in the cradle. In a preferred embodiment the cradle is substantially C-shaped in it's internal configuration so as to retain the slider therein. The tab, although preferably at 45° extending from the cradle, can also extend at an angle from 15°-30° so as to abut against the slider and retain the slider within the cradle. In one embodiment the tab can abut against the separator within the slider. The cradle is preferably curved on at least one end so as to retain the slider therein. It is preferably curved at both ends.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0003The present invention relates generally to improvements in flexible fasteners of the type having releasably interlocking rib and groove elements with a slider to interlock or separate the rib and groove elements. The invention relates specifically to slide fasteners formed along one edge of the reclosable bag. The slide fasteners have a pair of fastener strips running along the top of the bag integrally formed in the bag wall. One of the fastener strips has an arrowhead-shaped profile extending perpendicularly from and transverse to the top of the bag. The other oppositely opposed fastener strip has a C-shaped profile sized, constructed and arranged for the arrowhead-shaped profile.

0004A problem in the manufacture of slide fasteners for profile strips is to secure the slider to the profile strip, to allow sealing of the fastener strip in an essentially leak-proof manner and to prevent removal of the slides from the bag.

0005Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to manufacture slide fasteners in which the fasteners are easily opened, but are substantially leakproof when sealed.

0006It is an additional object of the invention to provide sliders or slide fasteners which are extremely difficult to remove from the bag, in order to provide a child safety feature.

0007It is a further object of the invention to provide slide fasteners in which the fasteners and the film for the bags can be co-extruded so as to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs.

0008It is a further object of the invention to provide fastener strips having a cradle for receiving and selectively retaining the slider therein so that the slider fasteners remain substantially leakproof at their ends when the slider has been moved to a fully closed position on the fastener strips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> of the drawings is a vertical section of the reclosable fastener profile of the present invention, partially broken away, showing male and female profiles, and guide ribs disposed on the outer walls of the reclosable bag.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> of the drawings is a top view of the slider of the present invention.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> of the drawings is a bottom view of the slider of the present invention.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> of the drawings is a front cutaway view of the slider of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref> showing a separator extending downwardly from the top surface thereof.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> of the drawings is a rear cutaway view of the slider of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-4</figref>.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> of the drawings is a vertical section taken along the lines BB of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> showing the internal configuration of the slider of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-5</figref>.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> of the drawings is a front perspective view of the reclosable container of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> of the drawings is a front view of the apparatus for extruding thermoplastic film having fastener profiles integrally formed therein.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> of the drawings is a front perspective view of a portion of the die used for manufacturing a male profile in the fastener strips of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> of the drawings is a front perspective view of one portion of the die used manufacturing female profile in the fastener strips of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> of the drawings is a vertical section of the male and female profiles of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> extending from the bag walls, with the slider disposed on the fastener and held in place by the bottom track extending laterally from the bag walls, as well as the separator extending between the male and female profiles.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> of the drawings is a vertical section of the bag and fastener strip of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> showing in particular the male and female profiles interlocked and the slider affixed to the fastener strip by the bottom tracks.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a perspective view of a reclosable container in accordance with the present invention.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a partial, cross-sectional view of exemplary fastener strips in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of an exemplary slider in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a front elevation view of the exemplary slider of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a rear elevation view of the exemplary slider of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a bottom plan view of the exemplary slider of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a partial, cross-section view of the exemplary fastener strips and the exemplary slider illustrating operation thereof in accordance with the present invention.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a partial, cross-section view of the exemplary fastener strips and the exemplary slider illustrating operation thereof in a partially open position.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a partial, cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of the reclosable fastener profiles of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> showing male and female profiles and guide ribs disposed on the outer walls of the profiles.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a vertical section of an alternative embodiment of the container <b>13</b> showing in particular a cradle proximate the first end of the fastener strip which is sized, constructed and arranged to receive and retain the base of a slider when the slider is positioned at the first end of the fastener strip.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> of the drawings is a black and white photograph showing the cradle of the present invention on a reclosable fastener affixed to a reclosable bag.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a front perspective view of the ultrasonic horn used to compress the fastener profile at a first end so as to create the cradle shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21</figref>, <b>22</b>, and <b>23</b>.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> the other half of the ultrasonic horn of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>.

0034The foregoing description of drawings merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as those who have the disclosure before them are able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

0035As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> of the drawings, a reclosable bag <b>10</b> having first and second walls <b>12</b> and <b>14</b> and an open top <b>16</b> is defined by first and second elongate flexible strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> attached to the first and second walls <b>12</b> and <b>14</b>, respectively, adjacent the top <b>22</b> and <b>24</b> of the walls. One of the fastener strips <b>20</b> has a profile portion <b>26</b> which forms a groove <b>28</b>. The other fastener strip <b>18</b> has a profile portion <b>30</b> forming a rib <b>32</b> with a portion of the rib <b>34</b> received and retained within the groove <b>28</b> when the bag <b>36</b> is closed. Each of the strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> has a base <b>38</b> and <b>48</b> connected to the respective walls <b>22</b> and <b>24</b> and each of the strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> further has an upper edge <b>42</b> and <b>44</b> adjacent the upper edge of the other strip <b>18</b> and <b>20</b>, respectively.

0036As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, bag <b>10</b> has a slider <b>46</b> mounted on the strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> and moveable in one direction <b>48</b> longitudinally of the strips <b>18</b> to <b>20</b> to progressively separate the rib <b>34</b> from the groove <b>28</b> to open the bag <b>10</b>. Slider <b>46</b>, being moveable in the opposite direction <b>50</b>, progressively returns the rib <b>32</b> portion to retain condition in the groove <b>28</b> to close the bag.

0037As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, the slider <b>46</b> further has a top <b>52</b>. The slider <b>46</b> further has a separator <b>54</b> situated therein having a proximal portion <b>56</b> attached to the top <b>52</b> of the slider <b>46</b> and extending downwardly therefrom and having a distal portion <b>58</b> residing in a first space <b>60</b> between the top of the slider and the upper edges of the groove <b>28</b> when the rib portion <b>32</b> is retained in the groove <b>28</b> of the profile. The separator <b>54</b> has an arrow-shaped tip <b>60</b> constructed and arranged, i.e., positioned and sized to facilitate selective separation of the rib <b>32</b> from the groove <b>28</b>.

0038In the preferred embodiment the separator has a length of 2.3 mm±0.3 mm. The separator <b>54</b> is preferably integrally formed from the slider <b>46</b> and is made of one homogeneous unit of plastic, preferably injection molded POM ocetel rock or that sold by RTP Company, Winona, Minn., or polypropylene with additive for lubrication.

0039In the preferred embodiment the slider is constructed of polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acryl nitryl butyldirene styrene or other commonly formed injection molded plastic pieces.

0040As a further feature of the invention as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the outside walls <b>12</b>, <b>14</b> have a pair of flanges <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> or tracks extending outwardly therefrom and running parallel to the upper edges <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> of the walls. The flanges <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> are sized for telescopic reception in slider <b>46</b>, as will be further described herein.

0041As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-6</figref>, slider <b>46</b> has a top portion <b>52</b>. Extending downwardly from top portion <b>52</b>, as is seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, is a separator <b>54</b> having a distal portion <b>58</b>. The distal portion <b>58</b> of separator <b>54</b> has an arrowhead-shaped tip <b>60</b> mounted thereon. The arrowhead has an angle of 60°±10° which is to facilitate opening of groove <b>28</b> of profile portion <b>26</b> with rib <b>32</b> profile portion <b>30</b> as contained therein.

0042In the preferred embodiment, top portion <b>52</b> of slider <b>46</b> is approximately 1.2 mm in thickness. The distal portion <b>58</b> extends approximately 2.3 mm from the inside surface <b>66</b> of top <b>52</b>. Slider <b>46</b> preferably has a height of approximately 8.6 mm, a thickness at its ends of 1.15 mm, a length of 14.8 mm, and the arrowhead-shaped tip <b>60</b> of a height of approximately 1 mm.

0043In the preferred embodiment, slider <b>46</b> has a series of gripping ribs <b>68</b> which are vertically disposed along its lateral edges <b>70</b> and <b>72</b>, respectively. These gripping ribs <b>68</b> in the preferred embodiment have a radius of approximately 1.25 mm.

0044In the preferred embodiment, slider <b>46</b> has an interior chamber <b>70</b> having vertical walls at the front and rear ends <b>72</b> and <b>74</b>, and having curved sidewalls <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> which have a radius of 9.9 mm.

0045As best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, slider <b>46</b> has a centrally disposed gap <b>80</b>. Gap <b>80</b> in the preferred embodiment is 1.15 mm in width. The left and right bottom surfaces <b>82</b> and <b>84</b> are approximately 2.5 mm in width having beveled surface s<b>86</b> and <b>88</b>. Beveled surfaces <b>86</b> and <b>88</b> are approximately 0.8 mm and are beveled at an angle of 45° relative to the left bottom surface <b>82</b> and right bottom surface <b>84</b>. Gap <b>80</b> is designed to receive rib <b>32</b> and to retain rib <b>32</b> within chamber <b>70</b>.

0046In addition, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, chamber <b>70</b> is also designed to receive exterior flanges <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> which are retained within chamber <b>70</b> so as to retain slider <b>46</b> on fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b>. In the preferred embodiment, a force of at least three pounds and preferably 5 pounds is required to remove slider <b>46</b> from fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b>.

0047As further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, slider <b>46</b> has a first travel and stop position <b>90</b> where the bag <b>10</b> is in the closed position and the fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>10</b> are interlocked and a second travel and stop position <b>92</b> in which fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> are separated from each other to allow dispensing of product from bag <b>10</b> or insertion of product therein.

0048As further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the proximal and distal ends <b>100</b> and <b>102</b> are fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> and are ultrasonically sealed to each other and to bag walls <b>12</b> and <b>14</b>, proximate the lateral edges <b>106</b> and <b>108</b> of bag <b>10</b>. The ultrasonic seal is to prevent the fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> from opening, and to prevent the bag <b>10</b> from being torn when the fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> are open.

0049Returning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, within slider <b>46</b> are inwardly facing channels <b>108</b> and <b>110</b> which are sized and positioned for slidable reception of flanges <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> and for retention of flanges <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> in slot or gap <b>82</b>. On the bottom of slider <b>46</b> are a pair of inwardly facing shoulder members <b>111</b> and <b>112</b> with gap <b>80</b> therebetween. Shoulder members <b>111</b> and <b>112</b> have beveled surfaces <b>86</b> and <b>88</b> thereon for guiding fastener strips <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> into said gap <b>82</b>.

0050Referring now to said <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, a bag or, more generally, a reclosable container <b>400</b> is illustrated. As shown, the bag <b>400</b> comprises walls <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> sealed along the lateral edges <b>414</b>, <b>416</b> of the walls <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> to form an open-ended container. Materials commonly used in the art, such as Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Nylon Polypropylene (PP), or Polyethylene Terepthalate (PET), may be used to form the walls <b>502</b>, <b>504</b>. Complementary fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> in accordance with the present invention are mounted along upper edges of the walls <b>502</b>, <b>504</b>. In a presently preferred embodiment, the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> are formed integrally with, and from the same material as, the walls <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> through an extrusion process. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard and other techniques known to those having skill in the art may be employed to attach the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> to their corresponding walls <b>502</b>, <b>504</b>. A slider <b>600</b> in accordance with the present invention (preferably constructed of polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acryl nitryl butyldirene styrene or other materials commonly used in the fabrication of formed injection molded plastic pieces) is disposed on the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>. As known in the art, the slider <b>600</b> may slide in a first or opening direction <b>402</b> or, oppositely, in a second or closing direction <b>404</b> along a longitudinal length of the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> as shown. Travel of the slider <b>600</b> along the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> is limited at a proximal end <b>410</b> by a first stop position <b>406</b> and, at a distal end <b>412</b>, by a second stop position <b>408</b>. In practice, the stop positions <b>406</b>, <b>408</b> are formed by fusing the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> together using known techniques, such as ultrasonic sealing.

0051Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, a partial, cross-sectional view of exemplary fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> is illustrated. Generally, the cross-sectional profiles of the various components illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> run the entire longitudinal length of the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>. As shown, each fastener strip <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> comprises a base <b>530</b>, <b>532</b> and a sealing member <b>534</b>, <b>536</b> formed thereon, preferably in a continuous, integral fashion. In a presently preferred embodiment, each fastener strip <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> is mounted on upper edge <b>516</b>, <b>518</b> of a corresponding wall <b>502</b>, <b>504</b> of the bag <b>400</b>. The sealing members <b>534</b>, <b>536</b> each comprise a plurality of complementary sealing portions <b>538</b>, <b>540</b> that, when coupled together in an engaged condition (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>), provide a substantially leak-proof seal for the bag <b>400</b>. The sealing portions <b>538</b>, <b>540</b> preferably have profiles that cause the sealing members <b>534</b>, <b>536</b> to interlock when fully engaged with each other. As known in the art, the interdigitation of the complementary sealing portions <b>538</b>, <b>540</b> when the sealing members <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> are fully engaged provides multiple sealing points that substantially run along the entire longitudinal length of the fastener strips. Although particular profiles are shown for the complementary sealing portions <b>538</b>, <b>540</b> for the purposes of illustration, the present invention is not limited to the profiles shown.

0052As further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, each fastener strip <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> preferably comprises an upward extending guide rail <b>512</b>, <b>514</b>. In a presently preferred embodiment, the guide rails <b>512</b>, <b>514</b> serve to retain a slider on the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>. To this end, each guide rail <b>512</b>, <b>514</b> preferably comprises a protrusion <b>520</b>, <b>522</b>. In the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, each protrusion <b>520</b>, <b>522</b> comprises an outward-facing flange, although other configurations, such as an inward-facing flange, a combination of inward- and outward-facing flanges or a substantially circular profile could be equally employed. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a particular implementation of the guide rails <b>512</b>, <b>514</b>, and more conventional guide rail configurations (for example, along the opposite, outward-facing sides of the bases <b>530</b>, <b>532</b>) may be equally employed.

0053In a further aspect of the present invention, one of the plurality of sealing portions <b>538</b> of a first sealing member <b>534</b> additionally comprises one or more finger members <b>542</b>. Although the finger members <b>542</b> are illustrated as forming part of only one of the sealing portions <b>538</b> and of only the first sealing member <b>534</b>, it is understood that additional finger members may be equally incorporated into other ones of the sealing portions <b>538</b> of the first sealing member <b>534</b>, or additionally into one or more of the sealing portions <b>540</b> of the second sealing member <b>536</b>. In a presently preferred embodiment, the one or more finger members <b>542</b> are incorporated into a lower-most sealing portion of the plurality of sealing portions <b>538</b>. Furthermore, each finger member <b>542</b> preferably extends laterally and/or partially upwardly relative to the sealing portion in which it is formed. Further still, where more than one finger member <b>542</b> is employed, each finger member <b>542</b> preferably extends at a different angle relative to the others. As described in greater detail below, particularly with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the finger members <b>542</b> provide a sealing engagement with a complementary portion of the sealing member <b>536</b> of the second fastener strip <b>508</b> when the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> are maintained in a partially engaged condition, i.e., at the point along the longitudinal length of the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> where a separation <b>612</b> of the slider <b>600</b> causes the disengagement of the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>.

0054Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-20</figref> an exemplary slider <b>600</b> in accordance with the present invention is further illustrated. Generally, the slider <b>600</b> comprises an elongated body <b>602</b> having a top wall <b>604</b> and sidewalls <b>606</b>, <b>608</b> extending downwardly from the top wall <b>604</b>. Although the side walls <b>606</b>, <b>608</b> may extend substantially perpendicular to the top wall <b>604</b>, they may also be angled relative to the top wall <b>604</b> and, in one embodiment of the present invention (as best illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-19</figref>), they are preferably tilted inward approximately 2 degrees from perpendicular relative to the top wall <b>604</b>. At a proximal end <b>601</b> of the slider <b>600</b>, a front wall <b>610</b> is provided and, likewise, a back wall <b>801</b> is provided at a distal end <b>603</b>. The front and back walls <b>610</b>, <b>801</b> are preferably (but not necessarily) substantially perpendicular to the top and side walls <b>604</b>-<b>608</b>. Collectively, the top wall <b>604</b> and sidewalls <b>606</b>, <b>608</b> form an opening <b>614</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 18</figref>) running along the entire length of the elongated body <b>602</b>, thereby allowing passage of the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> through the slider <b>600</b> as the slider traverses along the longitudinal length of the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>.

0055As further illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15-20</figref>, the slider <b>600</b> further comprises substantially opposing, inward-facing flanges or rails <b>718</b>, <b>720</b>. The inward-facing flanges <b>718</b>, <b>720</b> extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the sidewalls <b>606</b>, <b>608</b>, although this is not a requirement and other angles may be equally employed. Furthermore, the distal ends of the flanges <b>718</b>, <b>720</b> define a gap <b>722</b> having dimensions such that the sealing members of the opposing fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>, and particularly the sealing portion <b>538</b> having the at least one finger member <b>542</b> and its complementary sealing portion <b>540</b>, are urged together to provide an additional degree of sealing, yet not completely interlocking, engagement, as best illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. Note that where, as in the above-described preferred embodiment, the side walls <b>606</b>, <b>608</b> are angled inwardly, the flanges <b>718</b>, <b>720</b> may likewise be angled upwardly (relative to parallel with the top wall <b>604</b>). In a presently preferred embodiment, the gap <b>722</b> is configured to be smaller than a combined width of the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> when they are in a partially engaged condition. In another aspect of a presently preferred embodiment, the inward-facing flanges <b>718</b>, <b>720</b> are preferably formed within the front wall <b>610</b>. In a similar vein, an additional pair of inward-facing flanges <b>814</b>, <b>816</b>, defining therebetween another gap <b>812</b>, are likewise disposed within the back wall <b>801</b>. The additional inward-facing flanges <b>814</b>, <b>816</b> are preferably affected by any angle of the side walls <b>606</b>, <b>608</b> in a substantially identical manner as the first-mentioned inward-facing flanges <b>718</b>, <b>720</b>. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the inward-facing flanges could run along the entire length of the elongated body <b>602</b> rather than being disposed solely within the end walls <b>610</b>, <b>801</b> of the slider <b>600</b>, although this is not presently preferred.

0056In order to retain the slider <b>600</b> on the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>, downward-facing channels <b>702</b>, <b>704</b> are formed in the front wall <b>610</b>. In a presently preferred embodiment, each downward-facing channel <b>702</b>, <b>704</b> is defined by side portions <b>706</b>, <b>708</b> of a separator <b>612</b> and by upper surfaces of grip rails <b>714</b>, <b>716</b>. In the same manner, the resulting of profiles <b>710</b>, <b>712</b> of the downward facing channels <b>702</b>, <b>704</b> substantially match the profiles of the corresponding guide rails <b>512</b>, <b>514</b>. The separator <b>612</b> comprises dimensions and is configured to induce separation of the sealing members <b>534</b>, <b>536</b> of the corresponding fasteners strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> without actually extending between sealing members <b>534</b>, <b>536</b>. As the slider <b>600</b> traverses the engaged fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>, the separator block <b>612</b> causes the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> to disengage, thereby opening the bag <b>400</b>.

0057Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the back wall <b>801</b> has formed therein additional downward-facing channels <b>802</b>, <b>804</b> having profiles <b>806</b>, <b>808</b> that substantially match the profiles of the guide rails <b>512</b>, <b>514</b>. Once again, additional grip rails <b>810</b>, <b>812</b> are provided to engage the protrusions <b>520</b>, <b>522</b> of the guide rails <b>512</b>, <b>514</b> thereby retaining the slider <b>600</b> on the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>. In contrast to the front wall <b>610</b>, the back wall <b>801</b> comprises closing gates <b>811</b>, <b>813</b> configured such that the space provided between the closing gates <b>811</b>, <b>813</b> forces together the sealing portions <b>534</b> of the first fastener strip <b>506</b> and the complementary sealing portions <b>536</b> of the second fastener strip <b>508</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>), thereby establishing an interlocking, engaged condition between the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> and providing a substantially leak-proof seal.

0058Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19 and 20</figref>, operation of the slider <b>600</b> in conjunction with the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> is further illustrated. In particular, as the slider <b>600</b> is moved in the closing direction <b>404</b>, the closing gates <b>811</b>, <b>813</b> cause the complementary sealing portions of the sealing members <b>534</b>, <b>536</b> to engage in an interlocking fashion as shown. Once again, note that the inward facing flanges <b>814</b>, <b>816</b> provide substantially no aid in retaining the slider <b>600</b> on the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>. In contrast, and as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, as the slider <b>600</b> travels along the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b> in the opening direction <b>402</b>, the separator <b>612</b> causes the plurality of complementary sealing portions <b>538</b>, <b>540</b> of the sealing members <b>534</b>, <b>536</b> to disengage, thereby opening the bag. Note that, at the position of the slider <b>600</b> along the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>, particularly the position of the separator <b>612</b>, the sealing members <b>534</b>, <b>536</b> are maintained in a partially engaged condition that, in prior art devices, would cause leaks at that location. In accordance with the present invention, however, the configuration of the inward-facing flanges <b>718</b>, <b>720</b> and the resulting gap <b>722</b> defined therebetween, causes the one or more finger members <b>542</b> to engage a corresponding portion of the opposing sealing member, thereby providing additional leak resistance at the point of the slider <b>600</b> along the fastener strips <b>506</b>, <b>508</b>.

0059As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, the fastener strip and reclosable bag <b>900</b> are disclosed having first and second walls <b>902</b> and <b>904</b> and an open top <b>906</b> defined by first and second elongate flexible fastener strips <b>908</b> and <b>910</b> attached to the first and second walls <b>902</b> and <b>904</b>, respectively. Adjacent the top of the walls one of the fastener strips <b>908</b> has a groove <b>912</b> formed therein and the other fastener strip <b>910</b> has a rib <b>914</b>, previously shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>. A portion of the rib <b>914</b> is received and retained within the groove <b>912</b> when the bag top <b>906</b> is closed. Each of the fastener strips <b>908</b> and <b>910</b> has a base <b>912</b> and <b>914</b>, respectively, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as <b>12</b> and <b>14</b>. Each of the fastener strips <b>908</b> and <b>910</b> has an upper edge <b>920</b> and <b>922</b>, respectively, with a slider shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The slider <b>600</b> is moveable in a first longitudinal direction <b>924</b> to progressively separate the rib <b>914</b> from the groove <b>908</b> to open the bag. The slider <b>600</b> is moveable in the opposite direction <b>926</b> to progressively return the rib <b>914</b> to a retained condition in the groove <b>912</b> to close the bag <b>900</b>. As further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, a cradle <b>928</b> is provided proximate one end <b>930</b> of the fastener strip. The cradle <b>928</b> is sized, constructed and arranged to receive the base <b>932</b> of the slider <b>600</b> therein while the fastener strip <b>908</b> is sealingly engaged with the corresponding sealing portion <b>934</b> of the complementary sealing member, i.e., the rib <b>908</b>. The cradle <b>928</b> preferably has a length greater than the length of the slider so as to retain the slider <b>600</b> within the cradle <b>928</b>. In the embodiment shown, the cradle <b>928</b> has a tab <b>936</b> extending at an angle of approximately 45° therefrom for abutment against and retention of the slider <b>600</b> within the cradle <b>928</b>.

0060In a preferred embodiment the cradle is substantially C-shaped so as to retain the slider therein. By C-shaped it is meant that it has a recessed interior and at least one tab extending therefrom at an angle of 15-30° so as to abut against the slider and retain the slider within the cradle. On the opposite side from the tab <b>936</b> is a curved lip <b>938</b> for abutting against the slider <b>600</b> therein. As further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the end portion of the fastener strips has a spot seal section <b>940</b> in which the fastener strips are ultrasonically or heat-sealed together so that the ends of the bag and the ends of the fastener strips will not leak.

0061As further seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> of the drawings, in a preferred embodiment cradle <b>928</b> has a length of 9.78 mm and a depth of 3.35 mm. The base of the cradle is approximately 2.03 mm. All of these dimensions are, of course, subject to variation in manufacture of up to 0.25 mm.

0062In the embodiment shown, the cradle tip has a radius of 0.07 so as to allow easier passage of the slider <b>600</b> thereover.

0063In order to more clearly illustrate the invention, further attached is a photograph of the cradle of the present invention and die drawings showing the preferred dimensions. The photograph and die drawings may be referred to as <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23</figref>, <b>24</b>, and <b>25</b>.

0064While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are modifications, substitutions and other changes that can be made, yet will still fall within the intended scope of the invention.

0065As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, a half of an ultrasonic horn <b>1000</b> is shown having a cut-out portion <b>1002</b> shaped in the form of the cradle <b>928</b>. Similarly, a second half <b>1006</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, of the ultrasonic horn is provided having a cut-out <b>1008</b>, also in the form of a cradle. When compressed against the fastener strip approximate one end <b>930</b>, it creates the cradle and the sealed portion <b>934</b> which retains the fastener strip in a leak-proof configuration.